Liberty, N.Y. – Sept. 25, 2012 – Recent reports from the Center for Disease Control have identified several counties from the Mid-Hudson region as having the nation’s highest rate of Lyme disease, an illness transmitted through bites from ticks. Pestech, the Tri-State area’s leader in insect control and pest management, expands on the dangers in our region and how to prevent coming in contact with the rapidly spreading disease.
In a measurement of a nationwide per-capita report, Columbia County ranked number one in cases of Lyme disease; Dutchess, Greene, Putnam and Ulster counties placed second, third, sixth and eighth, respectively, and Orange was ranked 11th overall.
The disease, which is spread to humans through the bite of infected blacklegged ticks, or deer ticks, includes symptoms that are reminiscent of influenza—fever, headache and fatigue. If an infection from a tick bite is left untreated, however, infections can become more serious and spread to the joins, heart and even nervous system.
“The year’s uncharacteristically warm weather has brought a boom in nymph ticks, bringing arguably one of the highest populations in history to the Northeast,” said Bruce Davidson, Pestech President and CEO. “People are spending more time outside and wearing less protective clothing increasing their risk even further. It’s vital to thoroughly check for tick bites after being outdoors, especially for the infamous bull’s eye rash that appears on infected skin.”
This bull’s eye rash, or erythema migrans, is a circular rash that can appear at the site of an infection anywhere from one day to one month after the bite. The center of the rash may grow with time covering more surface area of the skin. The rash may be warm and can include red patches that appear in different shapes and sizes around the body, but is not typically painful.
If you suspect that you have been bitten by any species of tick, including a deer tick, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. If caught early, Lyme disease can be easily treated with antibiotics, which may reduce future complications.
For more tips and information, contact an experienced and licensed Pestechnologist™ at www.pestech.com or at 1-800-287-BUGS.
About Pestech
Pestech, headquartered in Liberty, N.Y., is a leader in insect control and pest management in the Tri-State area. Family owned and operated since 1989, Pestech has a knowledgeable and well-trained service staff and is committed to providing the most reliable pest control and management service in the industry. For additional information, visit www.pestech.com.
